trimming the Rapunzel complex and learning to be our own heroes

There is a common misconception that women in hero stories are only heroines and not heroes. There is also a common misconception that women who refuse to be saved, rescued and coveted are too independent to want a partner.

If I had the power to rewrite some of the fairytale stories I would start at the end, remove the happily ever after – I would make it real.

Quick edits

Rapunzel – loses half the hair braids that shit into a rope and climbs her ass down

Cinderella – tells off the damn step mother – uses that scrubbing bubbles to clean up that woman’s act

Snow White – girl you can talk to animals use them – they want to help clean your house but they can’t tell you an apple is dangerous?

Look I get it – these stories are fun and all but maybe I’m jaded because I never identified with the damsel in distress.

It has taken pop culture x amount of years to realize that almost no story passes the Bechdel test {The Bechdel test asks if a work of fiction features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. The requirement that the two women must be named is sometimes added.} and I for one would like that to change.

My fall from the tower

I was young when I realized I couldn’t be saved. I was young when my heroes left – but this didn’t define me, in fact, it allowed me to become the person I am today.

I grew up wanting to prove that I could be my own hero – yes this implies that I don’t always know when to shut down an argument, that I have a competitive edge but it has given me a chance to find out who I am without a partner or otherwise decisive forces.

Sometimes I wish I could be less stubborn – let the guy pay for the meal. But at the same time I don’t like to feel like I owe someone anything.

Truth is I like who I am – stubbornness and all – but that doesn’t mean I have fully become my own hero yet.

Being your own hero

The cheetah girls said it best when they sang “I don’t want to be no Cinderella – sitting in a dark old dusty cellar – waiting for somebody, to come and set me free”

Girls – in this day and age we don’t need a hero, we need to be the hero. And I don’t know about you, but I am ready to suit up.

Being your own hero starts with a choice. A change in the weather that allows you to break free of certain stereotypes that may hold you back. It doesn’t take training, it doesn’t take big muscles – it is entirely up to you if you want to save yourself. [and if you don’t that is ok too]

At the end of the day powerful women are what we need to create real change. The men have had their chances but girls, it’s our turn now. Are you ready for the challenge?